Frosty weather invades North Florida

Published: Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 8:51 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 8:51 p.m.

The first blast of winter dropped temperatures into the lower 30s overnight Saturday, and the 90-day forecast is for slightly chillier than average weather, meteorologist Phil Peterson said.

Peterson, with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, said widespread frost in exposed areas was forecast for this morning with an expected low of 32 degrees across Marion County. Freeze warnings were in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. this morning, with freezing temperatures expected for at least two hours during that time.

After another frosty morning Monday, temperatures will once again climb into the 70s and remain there through the week.

Peterson said no records were expected to be broken with the low temperatures.

Meanwhile, the sunny skies of late will turn cloudy on Tuesday, which a chance of rain enters the forecast. Peterson said September and October brought slightly higher temperatures than normal across North Central Florida. The September mean temperature — a combination of both highs and lows — is 78.2 degrees. This September the mean was 79.4 degrees.

The October mean is 70.9 degrees, while this year it was 72 degrees.

But Peterson said the 90-day outlook through February is for slightly cooler than average temperatures. Rainfall is expected to be near normal.

<p>The first blast of winter dropped temperatures into the lower 30s overnight Saturday, and the 90-day forecast is for slightly chillier than average weather, meteorologist Phil Peterson said.</p><p>Peterson, with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, said widespread frost in exposed areas was forecast for this morning with an expected low of 32 degrees across Marion County. Freeze warnings were in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. this morning, with freezing temperatures expected for at least two hours during that time.</p><p>After another frosty morning Monday, temperatures will once again climb into the 70s and remain there through the week.</p><p>Peterson said no records were expected to be broken with the low temperatures.</p><p>Meanwhile, the sunny skies of late will turn cloudy on Tuesday, which a chance of rain enters the forecast. Peterson said September and October brought slightly higher temperatures than normal across North Central Florida. The September mean temperature — a combination of both highs and lows — is 78.2 degrees. This September the mean was 79.4 degrees.</p><p>The October mean is 70.9 degrees, while this year it was 72 degrees.</p><p>But Peterson said the 90-day outlook through February is for slightly cooler than average temperatures. Rainfall is expected to be near normal.</p>